“It’s the heart that does the giving; the fingers only let go.” – Igbo saying

What do you have to give? Time, talents, treasures—these are what we usually talk about. And we all give in ways small and unrecognized, as well as large and acknowledged. But what does it mean to truly give?

How CAN giving be a spiritual act? When we give of ourselves, do we lose something? Gain something? Is there a blessing or holiness in giving, and if so, how do we hold that close and honor it? We invite you to reflect on these kinds of questions this month as part of our congregational art project.

For this month’s art project, we ask that you do the following: at the station in the entranceway, take a heart and write or draw your response to these ideas—of the risk of generosity, of vulnerability in real giving, of the spirituality of the gift. Then, as usual, place them in our basket. We will cut them out and install them as a blessing above the entrances to the Great Hall, flowing in an arc from hands on either side of the entrance. You will see some already completed examples hanging there now.

Hearts flowing from hands—this is important, because our inspirational quote this month comes from the Igbo people of Nigeria. They say, “It is the heart that does the giving; the fingers only let go.” We are a people of many gifts—much time, talent, and treasure. Share what gifts you have with us this month through your art, and maybe, find inspiration to share beyond this project. For in community we find the holiness of the gift—that we can form a life and a purpose from what we give when we risk true generosity.